ATLANTA—Former Mayor Bill Campbell, who presided over Atlanta during its most prosperous period in recent history, a span that included the 1996 Olympics, is returning to defend himself and his administration in a federal corruption trial.

Mr. Campbell is accused of accepting more than $160,000 in illegal campaign contributions, cash, junkets and home improvements in exchange for city contracts.

The 52-year-old charismatic ex-politician—once considered a rising star in the national Democratic Party—is charged with seven counts of racketeering, fraud and bribery.

The trial, which starts with jury selection today, follows a seven-year federal probe into corruption at City Hall that lasted almost as long as Mr. Campbell’s 1994-2002 tenure as leader of the South’s largest city. The investigation led to the convictions of 10 former city officials and contractors, all tied to the Campbell administration.

Share This

We welcome comments that add information or perspective, and we encourage polite debate. If you log in with a social media account, your comment should appear immediately. If you prefer to remain anonymous, you may comment as a guest, using a name and an e-mail address of convenience. Your comment will be moderated.